ENG-1978 — Page 178

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PUBLIC ORDER

The New Territories District Headquarters, in the past located at Tsuen Wan, moved to new headquarters at Sha Tin late in 1978. As a result of the government's development plans for the New Territories, the population, which now stands at around one million, is expected to reach more than two million by 1983.

The increase in population in the past few years has inevitably brought with it an increase in crime which is centred in the fast-growing areas of Yuen Long, Tsuen Wan, and Kwai Chung. Illegal immigration is also a continuing problem requiring constant patrolling and vigilance on the border, outlying islands in Mirs Bay, and along the northern coastline. The district has an establishment of 3,245 all ranks and 431 civilian staff.

With its fleet of 47 launches, the Marine District covers 1,872 square kilometres of Hong Kong waters as well as policing outlying islands and a large number of isolated communities. Following a successful recruitment campaign during the year, the strength of the district was increased by 76. The district has an establishment of 1,399 officers and 142 civilians.

The primary role of the Marine District is to combat illegal immigration and pre- vent the importation of narcotics. In addition, the district assists the Marine Depart- ment in enforcing merchant shipping and port and maritime regulations. The district also plays an important part in community relations by patrolling remote areas and ensuring that village problems are brought to the attention of the government.

Apart from normal constabulary duties, in 1978 marine police responded to 2,341 requests for police assistance, mainly from villagers, picnickers and pleasure craft operators; the launches also carried out 507 casualty evacuations from outlying islands and sea-going vessels. A general increase in visitors to outlying islands, particularly Lantau, made heavy demands on the somewhat limited police resources.

The crime level in Marine District is comparatively lower than the remainder of Hong Kong owing to the rural nature of the islands and the law-abiding tradition of the fishing community. The Criminal Investigation Department Marine is responsible for the initial investigation and processing of illegal immigrants and, in particular, persons engaged in aiding and abetting illegal entry. In 1978, 8,192 illegal immigrants were apprehended and repatriated. This figure shows a significant increase over the previous year and is the highest since 1974: Vietnamese refugees continued to reach Hong Kong by sea in increasing numbers and during the year several thousand were intercepted in the territory's waters. Many were granted permission to remain temporarily in Hong Kong pending resettlement overseas.

Communications and Transport

The Communications and Transport Branch plans, installs and maintains sophisticated telecommunication systems. These consist of radio networks, computer command and control systems incorporating teleprinter networks, telephone networks, radar installations and a variety of specialised electronic equipment. The branch also manages a fleet of 1,319 vehicles of 19 different types and a driving school at which all police drivers are trained and tested. To carry out this wide range of activities, the branch has an establishment of 1,271 police officers and 274 civilian staff who work in the telecommunications field.